Astros report: Harrell, Bedard improving

Lucas Harrell hopes to get back on the mound later this week. (Karen Warren/Chronicle)

Although manager Bo Porter gave his players the day off, Lucas Harrell and Erik Bedard showed up at Osceola County Stadium to get some treatment and play long toss Monday morning.

Harrell, who was skipped from his scheduled start Sunday because of a groin injury, expects to start later this week. Bedard, who hasn’t pitched in a game since Feb. 26 because of a gluteal strain, is likely to return to the mound early this week.

“I’m just coming and getting a little work in to make sure I come in and get my treatment in,” Harrell said. “Everything feels great.

“They’re talking about making a start (at the) end of the week, like a Friday or Saturday type thing. I’m told I’m completely fine. I’ve been running. I’ve been doing all my exercises. I’ve been lifting. I just lightly tweaked it. Everything’s fine now.”

Minor leaguers see live action

Three days before they begin facing other organizations, the Astros’ minor leaguers had a pair of intrasquad games Monday. Class AAA Oklahoma City faced Class AA Corpus Christi in an eight-inning game. Class A Lancaster faced Class A Quad Cities in a six-inning game.

Michael Burgess, who played for Oklahoma City, and Corpus Christi’s Chris Epps and Ben Heath drew special mention.

“Burgess stood out for us,” said Class AA manager Keith Bodie, who managed the Oklahoma City side for the day. “He hit the RBI triple to right field. He swung the bat really well. That stuck out in my mind. He played pretty good defense.

“For the other team, two of their guys stuck out. Epps and Heath kind of put a big knot on our head a couple of times.”

Epps, who split last season between Lancaster and Quad Cities, had a home run, single and double with two runs and two RBIs.

“It’s fun to be out here on the field again,” Epps said. “It’s early, so I don’t want to get overly excited. But I’m satisfied with today.”

Norris to face Marlins today

Bud Norris (0-0, 5.40 ERA) will start against the Miami Marlins in Jupiter, Fla., on Tuesday as the Astros resume their exhibition schedule.

twitter/@OrtizKicks

Photo: Jeff Roberson / Associated Press

Image 1of/201

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 201

March 27: Mets 6, Astros 2

Astros starting pitcher Edgar Gonzalez throws during the first inning.

March 27: Mets 6, Astros 2

Astros starting pitcher Edgar Gonzalez throws during the first inning.

Photo: Jeff Roberson / Associated Press

Image 2 of 201

Ruben Tejada breaks his bat grounding out during the fourth inning.

Ruben Tejada breaks his bat grounding out during the fourth inning.

Photo: Jeff Roberson / Associated Press

Image 3 of 201

Carlos Correa, right, steals second as the throw gets away from Mets second baseman Jordany Valdespin during the first inning.

Carlos Correa, right, steals second as the throw gets away from Mets second baseman Jordany Valdespin during the first inning.

Photo: Jeff Roberson / Associated Press

Image 4 of 201

Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez throws to first during the second inning.

Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez throws to first during the second inning.

Photo: Jeff Roberson / Associated Press

Image 5 of 201

A throw home from Astros shortstop Carlos Correa gets past catcher Jason Jaramillo, allowing John Buck to score during the sixth inning.

A throw home from Astros shortstop Carlos Correa gets past catcher Jason Jaramillo, allowing John Buck to score during the sixth inning.